Dear Friend of the Arts,

Since its founding in 2018 by guitarist and cultural leader Zaira Meneses, the Latin American Music Festival (LAMFest) has become an essential force for cultural unity and artistic excellence in Boston. What began as a festival dedicated to elevating the classical guitar and creating a stage for Latin American composers and performers has blossomed into something even greater — a movement that builds bridges among communities through music, art, and education. 

LAMFest is committed to elevating the quality of life for underserved communities by providing access to high-quality artistic experiences that inspire pride, connection, and opportunity. Through concerts, educational programs, and community initiatives, our organization helps the Latin American community find visibility and belonging while inviting the broader public to experience the richness of our traditions. We believe that art and culture are essential tools for social change, capable of transforming lives and strengthening the vibrant multicultural fabric of Boston.

Building on this foundation, we are proud to announce that LAMFest will now live within a broader platform: ALMA Boston (Asociación Latinoamericana de Músicos y Artistas en Boston). ALMA Boston represents the natural evolution of our work — transforming from a festival into a year-round nonprofit arts organization dedicated to supporting Latin American musicians and artists in Boston and beyond. 

Through charity initiatives, free community events, and accessible educational programs, ALMA Boston seeks to uplift and empower underserved families by providing opportunities for artistic growth, cultural expression, and human connection. We believe that access to high-quality art and education should not be a privilege, but a right that strengthens the spirit and dignity of every individual.

ALMA Boston will  serve as the umbrella organization that nurtures the Latin American Music Festival (LAMFest) and other initiatives dedicated to community impact through the arts. Our mission extends beyond performance — we focus on charity, free workshops, educational programs, and festivals that bring music and culture to families, youth, and underserved communities. Under ALMA Boston, we continue to grow projects such as:

UNIDOS Orchestra 

A multicultural symphonic ensemble celebrating Latin American repertoire. Beyond performance, the orchestra plays a vital social role by creating employment opportunities for highly trained Latin American classical musicians who often struggle to find work in Boston’s highly competitive classical field. Many of these talented artists, despite years of conservatory training, are forced to perform in restaurants and bars due to the lack of orchestral opportunities.

Educational programs — musical, artistic, and interdisciplinary — designed to inspire creativity, learning, and opportunity for all ages.

International festivals  including Latin American Music Festical, and our Guitar Summit among other,  uniting artists from across the Americas.

Collaborations and residencies featuring traditional and contemporary Latin American voices.

Innovative performances that blend art, technology, and cross-cultural creativity.

Through these programs, ALMA Boston will continue to uphold LAMFest’s spirit of unity and artistic excellence, now with expanded capacity to impact the broader cultural landscape.